New Delhi, Mar 13 (ANI): All opposition parties on Saturday favoured amendments to the Representation of the People Act to declare paid news as an electoral malpractice.

Participating in a seminar on "Paid News Syndrome," organised by the Editors Guild and the Indian Women's Press Corps, leaders of different political parties claimed that they are victims of 'paid news syndrome' during elections.

Swaraj said since the Election Commission was not adequately empowered to deal with the issue, a bill should be introduced in Parliament to amend the Act.

She said the model code of conduct does not cover the issue of malpractice and added "It should be done. I endorse the suggestion."

Narrating her experience during campaigning in Madhya Pradesh's Vidisha Lok Sabha constituency Swaraj said she was offered a "package of Rs 1 crore by a media organisation" to write news in her favour.

She opined that paid news phenomenon has become institutionalised over the years and said her party was ready to name publications, which approached it for publishing news during elections.